Writing a Cover Letter Short Enough to Be Read
A cover letter has one job: to give the reader a reason to look at your CV with interest. Long letters that restate your work history do the opposite. Whether a given employer even reads the letter varies, so write one that works both ways: short, specific and useful if read, and harmless if skipped.
Decide whether you need one
If the listing asks for a cover letter, write one. If it is optional, consider one when you are changing careers, have a gap that deserves a line of context, or are applying to a role where motivation matters. If the form has a free-text box, treat it as a short cover letter.
A four-paragraph structure
Paragraph 1: the role and your hook
Name the job and give one sentence on why you are a fit. Avoid openers like “I am writing to apply for…” as the only sentence; follow with something specific.
Weak: “I am a hard-working professional looking for a new opportunity.”
Stronger: “I am applying for the Finance Analyst role; I have spent three years preparing monthly management reports and would like to apply that experience to your reporting team.”
Paragraph 2: your most relevant evidence
Choose one or two examples from your experience that match the core requirements. Use real results where you have them.
Paragraph 3: why this employer
Show you understand what the company does. One specific, accurate sentence beats three vague compliments. This is where your company research from the research guide pays off.
Paragraph 4: the close
Thank the reader and say you would welcome a conversation. Keep it plain.
Length and format
- Aim for about 200 to 300 words.
- Use a readable font and short paragraphs.
- Address a named person if the listing gives one; otherwise “Dear Hiring Team” is acceptable.
- Save as a PDF unless told otherwise.
Handling common situations
Career change
Explain the connection between your past work and the new role in one or two sentences. See changing careers for ways to frame this.
Employment gap
A brief, honest line is enough. You do not owe a long explanation.
Applying across borders
Conventions differ between countries, for example on photos or personal details. Follow the employer’s instructions and local norms where you can verify them.
Things to leave out
- Salary demands unless requested
- Negative comments about previous employers
- Clichés such as “think outside the box”
- Anything you could not discuss comfortably in an interview
Final check
Read it aloud, check the company’s name and the job title, and make sure each sentence adds something. If a sentence could appear in any cover letter, replace it with one that could only appear in yours.
Key takeaways
- Keep it to about 250 words and four paragraphs.
- Be specific about the role, your evidence and the employer.
- Do not repeat your CV; add context to it.
Looking for a role to write about? Explore the latest jobs on GetProJob.
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